Troubleshoot my slow drying medium

rsuplee

Hi all - my first attempt at making slow drying medium has resulted in a medium that won't mix together - the Venice Turpentine sits on the bottom of the jar.  I tried stirring, shaking, warming and letting sit overnight, but it still won't mix together. I live in London and the materials i found and used are - "Cornelissen : Larch Venice Turpentine Resin" from JacksonsArt, Winsor&Newton Sansodor for OMS, W&N Linseed Stand Oil, W&N refined Linseed Oil, and Clove Bud oil.  Suggestions?    

dencal

rsuplee

When the components are mixed together they should take on the appearance of a clear amber fluid, much like your VT looks.
I see from your floating upper components that they are milky and emulsified? Water contamination?
perhaps some incompatibility b/w Sansodor and the rest?

Suggest leaving it at rest for a few days in a warm place, closed properly. The milkiness may settle out, allowing you to blot up any water.

Denis

Desertsky

Hi @rsuplee – I do not use natural resins (larch), but I think that OMS will not dissolve it.

Turpentine is needed, as it is a more powerful solvent. Also, I would suggest (CAREFULLY!) heating just the resin in a double boiler before adding the turpentine, stirring and dissolving it. Once the resin is dissolved with the turp, only then add the other ingredients.

May I ask, what paint application or visual results are you aiming for with this mixture which just linseed oil and clove oil will not achieve?  

Desertsky

OK - I was half right: balsams need heat to dissolve and mix with the other oils. It does not need the turpentine to dissolve. Here is a site which presents the procedure: 
Artists Materials - Canada Balsam Mediums Recipes - Natural Pigments

dencal

Desertsky

Slow Dry Medium:

= Longer open time on pigments from a few days to a week depending on temperature and humidity.
= A buttery viscosity, easily modified to manipulate brushstroke.
= A more elastic, less brittle dried surface quality.
= Glossier surface, therefore more saturated colour.
= SDM paint keeps in sealed containers for years without hardening or skinning.
= Painting sessions spread over several days uses the same palette colours.
= SDM acts as a paint extender, allowing expensive pigment to go much further.
= Brushes and workspace easier to clean up with SDM paint.
= Brushstroke levelling.
= SDM is a prerequisite for premixing values.
= SDM cuts down paint gone to waste on the palette.

Denis

Desertsky

@dencal - 

Thanks, Denis. I am new to DMP, so am still learning about stuff. How are brushes easier to clean up after using natural resins?  Or are you referring to a different SDM mixture?

dencal

Desertsky

SDM mixed paint in actuality is a dilution I.e. less pigment particles per cubic millilitre.
SDM mixed paint will by design remain more fluid in a brush for a longer period.
SDM mixed paint will more readily dissolve in an oil and clove brush immersion bath.
SDM mixed paint will be easier to remove completely from brush bristles.

Denis